History gets boost from new rules
The Ministry of Education outlined revised academic requirements for high schools nationwide on Dec. 17 in a push to expand the time required for history and physical education courses.Under the new requirements, all high schools will allot a minimum of six hours per week to history for two semesters starting next year.
Currently, 22.3 percent of academic-oriented high schools teach history for only one semester per year, and the new rules require six hours per week.
The move is in line with the ministry’s initiative to bolster history education.
The education authority announced earlier this year that all high school students will be tested on history on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) starting 2017.
History currently accounts for two of the 10 options on the social sciences segment of the CSAT and will become a separate subject like math and English.
The ministry’s emphasis on history will apply to teachers as well.
Beginning in September 2014, applicants for a teacher’s license must obtain a state certificate of level three or higher attesting to their knowledge of Korean history.
The ministry also is considering allowing only candidates with the certification to apply for vice principal positions at high schools.
The consistent decline in the number of students opting to take history triggered the dispute over whether to make it compulsory again. Last year, the subject was taken by 7 percent of all students, down from 11.8 percent in 2011. When history became optional in 2005, it drew 27.7 percent of students.
Education specialists say students tend to shy away from the subject in favor of options that are seen as easier, and the dwindling interest has been worrisome for the Education Ministry as well as the general public.
The ministry will also expand time dedicated to physical education classes to 10 hours per week throughout the three years of high school starting next year. All high schools - including special foreign language and science schools - must comply with the new requirements.
High schools will also be allowed to offer classes on essay writing, which are optional. The move is meant to broaden students’ creativity and critical thinking.
The Korean education system has been criticized for focusing too much on subjects that are emphasized on the college entrance exam.
BY PARK EUN-JEE [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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